Burden of intimate partner violence, mental health issues, and help-seeking behaviors among women in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence, presenting a significant public health concern, especially for women and girls. Help-seeking can reduce future IPV and mitigate adverse health outcomes, including mental health issues.

Objectives: This study is the first national assessment on IPV, mental health consequences, and associated help-seeking behaviors in Nepal.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Methods: Using secondary data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, this study includes 5178 women aged 15-49 and employs multivariate regression analysis to explore the association between IPV and mental health problems, as well as factors influencing help-seeking behavior for both issues.

Results: Among participants, 31.4% reported ever experiencing IPV, and most (29.4% of all women) in the past 12 months. Of those ever experiencing IPV, 72.0% had not sought help for IPV, and 92.2% of those who did, opted for informal support. A total of 27.6% (n = 1427) of female interviewees reported anxiety symptoms, 21.5% (n = 1110) depressive symptoms, and 7.1% (n = 368) suicidal ideation within the past 2 weeks. These rates were higher among women who had experienced IPV in the past 12 months, with 41.1% reporting anxiety, 33.2% depression symptoms, and 14.1% suicidal ideation. Of the 4194 respondents with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation who were asked about help-seeking for mental health issues, 19.4% (n = 812) had sought help, primarily from informal sources (93.4%, n = 759). Emotional IPV in the past 12 months increased the odds of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08-4.31), depression (aOR 3.09, 95% CI 2.19-4.37), and suicidal ideation (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.20-3.04). Sexual IPV increased the odds of anxiety (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.67-4.95) and depression (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.32-3.41), while controlling behavior heightened the odds of depression (aOR 2.42, 95% CI 2.02-2.89) and suicidal ideation (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.25-4.02).

Conclusion: This nationwide study reveals a high prevalence of IPV and related mental health problems among women in Nepal and a low rate of help-seeking behavior, in particular to formal support structures. Stronger health system responses and empowering informal support are essential to improve referrals and raise awareness for violence survivors.

Keywords: GBV; IPV; NDHS; Nepal; gender-based violence; help-seeking; intimate partner violence; mental health; women.

Figure 1.

Type of IPV experienced by Nepalese women ever (n = 1624) and in the past 12 months (n = 1524). Note: Controlling behavior assessed among those with non-missing data for related survey questions, experiencing ever (n = 4160) and in the past 12 months (n = 4141).

Figure 2.

Experience of mental health problems over the last 2 weeks among the entire study population (n = 5178) and those experiencing IPV in the past 12 months (n = 1524). IPV: intimate partner violence.

Figure 3.

Help-seeking for mental health problems among the entire study population with non-missing data for related survey questions (n = 4177) and women experiencing IPV in the past 12 months (n = 1524). IPV: intimate partner violence.